Can you start with a brief self-introduction?
I joined NRI as an application engineer in 2012. Over the past 11 years, I have mainly worked in the Capital Markets & Wealth Management Solutions Division, where I've been involved in developing THE STAR and systems for Nomura Securities. During this period, I've engaged in a variety of tasks from enhancement work in the development department to sales and proposal duties in the business unit, as well as planning activities as a dispatch to a client's IT department. Eager to work on a global scale, I transitioned to the Asset Management Solution Division, where I participated in the T-STAR/GV Project. I was fortunate enough to relocate to ITSA in the United States starting April 2024.
Can you tell us about ITSA and your current roles and activities?
ITSA's headquarters is in Dallas, Texas, with a branch in Silicon Valley known as the Pacific Office. I'm part of the Financial Enterprise AI Center housed in the Pacific Office, where we have a team of 12, including local staff. My work focuses on examining the business applications of generative AI in finance and identifying new business opportunities for NRI Group. This involves researching cutting-edge technologies and business models, building strategic alliances with local companies such as Oracle and Cohere, planning and promoting PoCs for financial AI platforms, and disseminating relevant information internally and externally.
[Photo] Presenting at an AI-related workshop held at Cohere’s office in San FranciscoHow has your experience working in the U.S. been? Is it different from what you imagined? What differences do you notice compared to Japan?
Working in the Bay Area has been such a refreshing experience—especially with the amazing weather that instantly lifts your mood! The sunny days alone make the move feel totally worth it. What really surprised me, though, is how welcoming it is for non-native speakers. With so many residents from places like China, Korea, and South America, it’s common to meet people who are also navigating English as a second language. This inclusivity creates an environment where clear communication matters more than perfect pronunciation, which I find really encouraging.
One thing that stands out compared to Japan is the incredible diversity of talent. The Oracle team I’m currently working with includes people from not just the U.S., but also India, France, and beyond. Collaborating with such a globally diverse group has been an eye-opening and enriching experience!
[Photo] From the "Oracle CloudWorld 2024" held from September 9th to 12th, featuring collaborative PoC efforts with Oracle's Sri Sabbella (second from left) alongside NRI members: from left, Tasuku Ito of the Financial Digital Business Design Department, Yuki Yamamoto at ITSA, and Ryota Yoda.